London is embracing the clean, green revolution as drivers in the capital clock up 1 million miles worth of free electric vehicle charges.
That’s enough free miles to circle round the world 40 times, and closer to home that’s 8,500 times around the M25!
Tesco, in partnership with Volkswagen and Pod Point, is working to install 2,400 electric vehicle charging points across 600 stores. It has already installed 68 free charging bays across London with more to come as part of its efforts to make it easier to switch to electric vehicles.
Drivers in Bromley are leading the way with nearly half a million miles charged in the Borough alone, significantly outpacing its nearing rival Hillingdon by close to 200,000 miles. Together, the Boroughs of Bromley, Hillingdon and Merton make up three quarters of all miles charged at Tesco stores across London. Transport is the UK’s largest source of carbon emissions, switching to electric vehicles could reduce the UK’s overall carbon footprint by up to 10 per cent*. With Tesco providing fast charging for free across its network, it could also save drivers hundreds of pounds a year. So far in London Tesco has provided over 280,000kWh – enough energy to power 66 homes a year – of free, renewable electricity.
Tesco is committed to achieving net zero in its UK operations by 2035. Cutting transport emissions is a key part of its plan to deliver this, so as well as keeping its customers on the move Tesco is aiming to electrify all its 5,500-strong home delivery fleet by 2028. London is currently leading the way with the first 30 electric vans being rolled out across the capital.
Louise Goodland, Head of Retail Partnerships at Tesco said:
“Transitioning to electric vehicles will play a crucial role in reducing the amount of carbon emissions we produce as a nation, as well as making our air cleaner.
“We want to make it easy for people to switch to electric vehicles and after reaching 1 million miles worth of charges at our stores it’s clear London is already on this journey.”
Erik Fairbairn, Pod Point Founder and CEO, added:
“The one million miles landmark reflects the growing appetite for EVs in the capital as well as the ease and convenience of the Tesco charging experience.
“Vehicle electrification is one of the most powerful ways to stop travel damaging the earth and we’re delighted to be working with Tesco and Volkswagen to power up even more local areas and help speed up the transition to EVs.”
